The TDI Divemaster Course is the first professional level certification in the TDI leadership levels. During this course you will be challenged and learn what it is like to work with divers as they begin or continue their technical diving experiences. You will learn how to manage divers, work as land or boat support, and conduct enjoyable dives. Dive physics, physiology, how conduct pre-dive briefing, how to assist technical instructors as well as how to be a professional TDI Divemaster is all part of the course. Your skills will be refined to demonstration quality and your knowledge increased to that of a technical diving professional.

Who this course is for:

• SDI Divemaster who are certified technical divers and want to assist with TDI Diver Courses and lead technical dives at the level they are certified to dive

Course prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18
• Certified as an SDI Divemaster (equivalent ratings from other agencies are not accepted for this TDI Divemaster prerequisite. Candidates must crossover to SDI prior to the TDI Divemaster course)
• Provide copies of current CPR and first aid training
• Have a current medical examination signed by a licensed physician within the past 12 months
• Provide proof of 50 logged dives
• Certified as technical diver for which they are applying as a TDI Divemaster in

What you can expect to learn:

Instructor must use the current TDI Standards and Procedures Manual but may also use any additional text or materials that they may feel help present these topics. The following topics must be covered during this course:

• Knowledge development
  • Recreational dive leader
  • Diving physics
  • Diving physiology
  • Diving equipment
  • Personal dive skills
  • Professional skills

Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements

• Must give a minimum of 2 complete briefs and debriefs
• Show preparation, planning, and control in dive management and technical diving activities
• Four open water dives, at least 2 of which must be at the highest Divemaster level being applied for
• Training dives must not exceed the Divemaster candidate’s current experience and certification level
• Upon successful completion of the dives, students must complete their logbooks and the instructor must sign off on the completed dives
• Students must demonstrate all the skills required in the previous courses at Divemaster quality in leadership level equipment – Skills include:
  • Diving equipment assembly and disassembly
  • Equipment inspection
  • Entries and exits
  • Proper weighting and buoyancy control
  • Regulator recovery
  • Controlled descents and ascents
  • Underwater swimming
  • Buddy system techniques
  • Weight/ballast system removal and replacement
  • Scuba system removal and replacement
  • Out-of-air emergency alternatives
  • Equipment care and maintenance

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:

• Assist an active TDI Instructor during approved diving courses provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training
• Supervise and conduct dives for certified technical divers provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training
• This program does not cover overhead environment with the exception of advanced wreck

TDI Divemaster minimum requirements:

• Satisfactorily complete the TDI written or online Divemaster examination with a minimum score of 80 percent, followed by 100 percent remediation
• Satisfactorily complete the TDI written examination for the specific course for which they are applying for a Divemaster rating
• Complete all water requirements
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution